Mohammad Amir has learned his lesson - Darren Gough

Former England fast bowler Darren Gough feels that Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir had learned his lesson from the spot-fixing scandal of 2010 and deserves a second chance.

It was in the 2010 Pakistan tour of England that Amir, along with Mohammad Asif and the then team captain Salman Butt were found to have involved in spot-fixing.

Amir received a five-year ban from the International Cricket Council and also served a six-month sentence in a young offenders’ institute.

Currently, Amir is all set to make a Test comeback in the first match against England at Lord’s and there have been mixed reactions from various quarters.

Players like Graeme Swann and Kevin Pietersen have said that Amir deserves to be banned for life as he has brought the game into disrepute.

However, Gough, who co-hosts Drivetime on talkSPORT believes that Amir was influenced by Asif and Butt and was not mature enough to stand up and say no to the offer to make money by indulging in spot-fixing.

“I would play him – I have my own personal reasons for saying it," said Gough.

“Since he’s come back, he’s been a model professional.

“I think he’s a brilliant bowler, a brilliant athlete and he’s great to watch.

“I think he was a very immature young man, influenced by two senior players, one being the captain of Pakistan.

“Yes, I’ll never forgive him for what he did – he brought the game I love, and so many people love, into disrepute.”

Gough reckons that Amir was a gullible young person when he took part in spot-fixing and has currently learned his lesson after serving his five-year ban, while also participating in player education initiatives.

“What he did, taking money – and not much money by the way – for bowling no balls.

“Do you think he’s learned his lesson? I’d say yes.

“I think the other two should have been banned for life, no doubt.

“Now if Mohammad Amir would have been 25, [he’d have been] banned for life 100%.”

30 out of Amir’s 51 Test wickets have come in England, where he averages 19.80 from six matches in 2010, including two five-wicket hauls.